Don’t rely on unsubstantiated, fake information about Lagos governance, Omotoso advices citizens
By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
Lagos citizens have been advised not to rely on unsubstantiated information or fake news on the policies and actions of Lagos State government but rather look for platforms that will give them credible information on governance of Lagos State.
This advice was given by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dr Gbenga Omotoso at the Citizens Accountability and Rights Forum (CARF) 10th monthly stakeholder’s interactive roundtable on public policy making and execution held at Rights House, Ikeja, Lagos on Thursday.
The forum with theme: “Efficient Information Dissemination As a Veritable Tool for Effective Participatory Governance; How Far, So Far in Lagos State?” was presented by the Committee For The Defence Of Human Rights (CDHR) in collaboration with the Centre For Anti-Corruption And Open Leadership (CACOL)
Responding to the comments raised on the above theme by discussants, the Commissioner who was represented by Hon. Kayode Oyekanmi pointed out that timely, accurate and transparent information is the bedrock of good governance . He added that effective information dissemination should not be a tool but a catalyst to good and all inclusive governance.
“Timely, accurate, and transparent information is the bedrock of participatory governance. It empowers citizens to make informed decisions, hold leaders accountable, and contribute meaningfully to shaping policies that affect their lives. This is the essence of true democracy.
“Effective information dissemination, therefore, should not be merely a tool; rather, it should be a catalyst for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in governance.
He stated that the challenges being encountered by Ministry of Information and Strategy is rapid spread of fake news which affects the vulnerable and even the disabilities.
He said that to combat fake news, or rumour mongering, one of the strategies by his ministry is media literacy which is to inform and educate the people on what to look out for in any information.
The Commissioner advised the citizens to verify the authenticity of any information about Lagos State from its social media platforms, asserting that the Lagos State government is very active in all the social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X (formerly twitter).
“If you get any information about Lagos, go to Lagos State social media platforms to get the correct information, verify.
“We have Social Protection Programme/Initiative such as Health Insurance Scheme, Ilare Eko, etc
“Lagos State government has a department of office interministerial committee. The Committee Hotlines are 07013614224 and 07041252261. Reach out to Lagos State with the hotlines for Social Protection Programme/ Initiative. Register with them officially and call them for what you need. We do periodic/ vocational training for the vulnerable group.
“Information dissemination is very critical and we must listen to the people as a feedback”.
It was disclosed that Lagos State has the best traffic radio that gives traffic situations in Lagos roads.
When citizens are well-informed, they are better positioned to contribute to governance, engage with the government, and participate actively in the democratic process willingly and meaningfully.
Earlier in his opening remarks the President, Committee For The Defence Of Human Rights, (CDHR) Chairman, Centre For Anti-Corruption And Open Leadership (CACOL), Comrade Debo Adeniran welcomed the participants, guests and discussants to the event and thanked them for coming despite their tight schedules.
He stated that the event provides a forum for healthy exchanges of ideas so that the areas of friction between the government and the governed would be drastically reduced if not totally eliminated because the people would have sense of belonging and the government would have the opportunity of listening to the people and explaining their positions on diverse policy issues that may crop up at a particular time.
“Apart from the usual discourse, we would like to appreciate the efforts of some people and a corporate body that have played significant roles worthy of emulation in their various endeavours and interactions with the people.
“We have over the years carried out a study which spans about five years to determine what each of the awardee had been doing for the past five years most particularly during the Pre-CARF era and more intensely when we started CARF. The results of the study strengthened our conviction that they are not likely to change soon. Giving such award to people at the end of the year like this, is most appropriate as it is a sign of showing appreciation for their various efforts and recognition for continuously doing what earned them the award.
Comrade Adeniran said that discussants at the event will beam searchlight on information management system in Lagos State.
“We would like to brainstorm on how the government is financing the various sectors in the state and how much of public involvement is embedded in this activity of government”.
He stressed that efficient information dissemination ensures that citizens are well-informed about government policies, decisions, and actions, adding that it bridges the gap between the government and the governed, fostering trust, transparency, and inclusivity in decision-making processes. Participatory governance thrives on this interaction, as informed citizens are better equipped to contribute meaningfully to societal development.
“Efficient information dissemination is foundational to participatory governance. We believe that government must prioritize transparent, accessible, and inclusive communication strategies to empower citizens and foster trust. Addressing challenges such as the digital divide, fake news and misinformation is critical for creating a well-informed populace that actively contributes to governance and societal progress.
He posited that the idea of focusing on the state government’s policies and activities and gathering people to discuss it, is anchored on a determination to ensure that the common man on the street is not left behind by government policies and encourage an all-embracing, all-inclusive implementation of government’s policies so as to enhance the socio-economic wellbeing of the people of the State.
The highlight of the event was the honouring of some well scrutinized persons and corporate bodies with Awards.
The recipients of the award are:
Mr Ejikeme Omenazu of Daily Independent Newspaper who received the award as the Best Print Media of the year 2024; Mr Akintunde Adediji received the award as the Fastest learning activist of the year 2024.
The award for the Best Public Analyst of the year 2024 was given to a known critic of bad governance Mr Babajide Oguntoju while the Best Xenopholic Local Government Area (non discrimination) Chairman of the year 2024 was given to Amuwo Odofin LGA Executive Chairman Hon. Engr. Valentine Buraimoh.
The most Insightful Radio Producer of the year 2024 was awarded to Mrs Abiola Olaronke while the Hon. Commissioner for Information and Strategy Dr Gbenga Omotoso was also honoured with the award, amongst others.